On the south end… Most resorts have pulled fish houses off of the lake for the season.  There is still good ice in most areas of the basin and some ice anglers are still getting out ice fishing.  Safety first as ice roads and trails are not being monitored.  

There are a few still fishing walleyes, but the attention of many ice anglers this time of year is big pike.  Even though it still feels like winter, the longer days and Mother Nature have the pike gearing up for the spawn.  That means fish are being found in pre-spawn areas and are putting on the feed bag.  

A lot of big pike have been iced this week and it should only get better.  Most fish are returned to the water after a few pics.  

The limit of pike is 3 fish per day.  All pike between 30 – 40 inches must be released.  One fish over 40″ may be kept per day.  This slot limit, combined with the right gene pool and strong forage base make LOW a trophy pike lake.

Most pike anglers are setting up in 5 – 15 feet of water.  A quick strike rig with a live sucker, dead smelt, tullibee, herring or fatty hot dog has been catching pike.

The walleye and sauger season extends through April 14 and the pike season never closes.  Perch, eelpout, tullibees and crappies are also in season.

On the Rainy River…   Open water fishing is going strong on the Rainy River.  Walleyes, saugers, pike, sturgeon, lake trout, muskie, suckers and most likely other species we didn’t hear about all caught on the river this week.  

The Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale and the Frontier boat ramp are open to all boats.  Open water on the river extends close to Clementson.

For walleyes, jigging with a plastic or with a minnow is the goto technique for catching spring walleyes.  Bright colored jigs and larger plastics with twister tail or paddle tail this time of year are effective.  

Please take good care of the walleyes.  Have a camera, needle nose, etc ready to go.  Be quick on taking pics.  Handle walleyes with care and release quickly.

Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River, catch and release only for walleyes and saugers through April 14th.  The big lake is still open for harvesting walleyes and saugers through April 14th.

The MN Fishing Opener is Saturday, May 13th.  Normal walleye and sauger limits will then apply to both the lake and river.  With a late spring, the prediction is for good numbers of walleyes in the river on the opener.

Lots of sturgeon being caught.  Many walleye anglers hooking up with sturgeon unintentionally while fishing walleyes.  A great time to catch sturgeon is now through May 15th.

The sturgeon harvest season runs from April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – Sept. 30.
The catch and release season runs May 8th – May 15th and Oct. 1 – April 23rd.

Up at the NW Angle… Resorts have removed fish houses from the ice for the season. Anglers getting out ice fishing on their own are catching good numbers and some big fish.  It looks like winter is still up at the Angle but warm weather is in the forecast.  Safety first for those ice fishing on their own.

For those looking to access the NW Angle this summer while avoiding customs, the Lake of the Woods Passenger (charter boat) Service transports you to your favorite Angle resort and keeps you in Minnesota.

A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

On the south end… Fish houses can be left overnight on Lake of the Woods through March 31st.  This year, ice is holding nicely.  A few ice roads are still open, some have closed for the season.  There is still some good ice fishing to be had if you have the bug, but contact the resort or outfitter operating the ice road prior to travel.

The walleye and sauger season extends through April 14 and the pike season never closes.  Perch, eelpout, tullibees and crappies are also in season.

Varied reports this week for walleyes.  It seems the fish are on the move.  For those who moved around and got on fish, they caught.  Some good reports off of Pine Island in shallower water, 14 – 20 feet.  Also good reports from the Rocky Point, Long Point, Zippel Bay and Morris Point areas.

Huge pike continue to be active with good reports this week.  Setting up in 5 – 15 feet of water is the depth most anglers are targeting.  Using a quick strike rig with a live sucker, dead smelt, tullibee, herring or fatty hot dog have been catching some big pike.

On the Rainy River…   Open water fishing on the river has begun.  The Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale is open to all boats.  The next access downstream is Frontier and as of Tuesday morning (3-28-23), the open water was almost there.  

A big thanks to Koochiching County for doing a nice job of clearing the accesses of snow and ice at the boat ramp.  It extends the short window of spring fishing on the river and makes dropping a boat into the river safer.

Mainly three techniques being used to catch walleyes on the river.  Jigging with a plastic, jigging with a minnow and trolling crankbaits slowly upstream.

Bright colored jigs and larger plastics with twister tail or paddle tail.  Best colors chartreuse, orange, pink and white.

Halfway across the river is Ontario.  Boaters can navigate into Ontario waters for safety reasons, such as avoiding hazardous structure, a pack of boats, etc.  

If you plan to fish Ontario waters, many different rules apply.  Must have an Ontario fishing license, no live, dead or frozen bait, no alcohol, etc.  Anglers can boat into Ontario waters without checking into Canada Border Services Agency if they don’t touch land, a dock, another boat, or exchange goods or services.  No walleyes or saugers from the Ontario side of the river are allowed to be transported across U.S. waters as it is a catch and release season only in the U.S. side.  This is for informational purposes only, please check official regs.

Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River, catch and release only for walleyes and saugers through April 14th.  The big lake is still open for harvesting walleyes and saugers through April 14th. 

Please take good care of the walleyes.  Have a camera, needle nose, etc ready to go.  Be quick on taking pics.  Handle walleyes with care and release quickly.

Up at the NW Angle… Ice fishing is winding down up at the Angle.  The fish are biting and those who are still getting out are being rewarded.  With fish houses having to be off the lake by March 31st, some locals and those with their own equipment are taking advantage of the late season ice.

This is the time of year fish houses get put away for the year, bombardiers and other winter equipment gets summerized and stored.  Most operating resorts take a well deserved break and start gearing up for the MN Fishing Opener May 13th.

For those looking to access the NW Angle while avoiding customs, the Lake of the Woods Passenger (charter boat) Service transports you to your favorite Angle resort and keeps you in Minnesota.

A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

On the south end… Lake of the Woods ice fishing is still going strong.  Ice trails and ice roads are doing well.  Some anglers report slush when going off of the roads and creating their own trails.  Good idea to work through your favorite resort and outfitter this time of year.  Ice fishing is still readily available if you want to get out.

Both day houses and sleeper houses are out and can be through March 31st.  The forecast ahead has high 30’s during the day and teens at night.  Work through a resort or outfitter as they monitor conditions closely on their ice roads.

The walleye and sauger season extends through April 14 and the pike season never closes.  Perch, eelpout, tullibees and crappies are also in season.

A good week of fishing for some, mixed for others.  Walleyes seem to be moving this time of year.  If you are on them, it is normally good.  The combo of the jigging line and deadstick is working well.  One day they want it moving, the other, the deadstick is the ticket.  

Huge pike continue to be active with good reports this week.  Setting up in 5 – 15 feet of water is the depth most anglers are targeting.

On the Rainy River…   The morning / evening bite has been best for walleye anglers.  This time of year, extra caution is needed if fishing around moving water.    

No open water fishing to report as of yet.  On the Rainy River, ice can go out quickly, only Mother Nature knows.  We will keep you posted.

Remember, on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River, catch and release only for walleyes and saugers through April 14th.  The big lake is still open for harvesting walleyes and saugers through April 14th. 

Up at the NW Angle… Good walleye and pike reports by anglers this week up at the Angle.

Like the south end, a plain hook or small glow jig with a live minnow has been working well.  Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, big pike and eelpout in the mix.

Crappies continue being caught on the Ontario side of the lake amongst the islands.  We recommend using a guide as ice conditions amongst the islands with current and neck down areas, etc.

For those looking to access the NW Angle while avoiding customs, snowmobiling across the lake on the marked trails are in good shape or utilizing the Lake of the Woods Passenger (bombardier) Service keeps you in Minnesota.  During the open water months, boating across or charter boat service is available keeps you out of Canada.

A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

On the south end… Lake of the Woods ice fishing is still going strong.  Ice trails and ice roads are doing well.  Both day houses and sleeper houses are out and can be through March 31st.  The forecast ahead has freezing temps and ice should hold nicely.  Work through a resort or outfitter as they monitor conditions closely on their ice roads.

The walleye and sauger season extends through April 14 and the pike season never closes.  Perch, eelpout, tullibees and crappies are also in season.

A good week of fishing.  In a nutshell, fish every fish.  Electronics are helpful.  Most fish are near the bottom but some of the larger walleyes are suspended.  Use a combo of the jigging line and deadstick.

On the deadstick, using a plain hook with a minnow 6″ to one foot off of the bottom has been successful. Plain hooks in reglow, pink or orange have been working well.  

Huge pike continue to be active with good reports this week.  Setting up in 8 – 15 feet of water is the depth most anglers are targeting these hungry predators.

On the Rainy River…   The golden hours of morning and evening continue to be the best on the river for walleye anglers.  Great safety is always needed on the river, especially with longer days, stronger sun, and melting.  

Not a lot happening yet with open water for boats.  When it happens, it can happen fast.  We will keep you posted.  Most are guessing the end of March.

Remember, on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River, catch and release only for walleyes and saugers through April 14th.  The big lake is still open for harvesting walleyes and saugers through April 14th. 

Up at the NW Angle… Great walleye reports by anglers this week up at the Angle.  A small to medium jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head or a lipless crankbait with rattles has been effective jigging.

Like the south end, a plain hook or small glow jig with a live minnow has been working well.  Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, big pike and eelpout in the mix.

Crappies being caught on the Ontario side of the lake amongst the islands.  We recommend using a guide as ice conditions amongst the islands with current and neck down areas, etc.

For those looking to access the NW Angle while avoiding customs, snowmobiling across the lake on the marked trails are in good shape or utilizing the Lake of the Woods Passenger (bombardier) Service keeps you in Minnesota.

A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

On the south end… Lake of the Woods ice fishing is still going strong with cool temps, especially overnight, keeping ice in good shape.  Fish houses out through March 31st, walleye and sauger season through April 14 and the pike season never closes.

Some very good fishing reports this week, best we have heard in weeks.  Success varies from fish house to fish house but some fish houses are reporting catching good numbers.  Majority are catching plenty for an evening fish fry. 

Electronics were helpful this week as a lot of suspended walleyes are being caught.  If you see a suspended fish come through on your electronics, reel up quickly but as you get within a couple of feet below the fish, slowly bring your lure to the fish so as not to spook it.

Jig one line, deadstick the second with a live minnow 6″ – 1′ off of the bottom.  Plain hooks in glow, pink or orange have been working well.  

Huge pike have continued to be active with some very good reports this week.  Everyone does it a bit differently, but tip ups with a quick strike rig and a live sucker, dead bait such as smelt, herring, alewife or a hot dog have been the go to.  (Yep, hot dog, the cheaper the better!)

Remember, new fishing licenses needed March 1st in Minnesota waters.

On the Rainy River…   Morning and evening continue to be the best on the river for walleye anglers.  Pounding a jig with a minnow on the bottom combined with a deadstick set just off of the bottom working well.

Remember, on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River, catch and release only for walleyes and saugers through April 14th.  The big lake is still open for harvesting walleyes and saugers through April 14th. 

Up at the NW Angle… Some nice walleyes caught this week up at the Angle.  Jigging a small jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head or being more aggressive with a lipless crankbait with rattles has been effective jigging.

A plain hook or small glow or glow red deadstick jig with a minnow has been working well.

A mixed bag being caught in addition to the walleyes including saugers, jumbo perch, big pike and eelpout in the mix.

Some anglers fishing the Ontario side for crappies reporting nice catches.  We recommend using a guide as ice conditions amongst the islands vary greatly with current, etc.

For those looking to access the NW Angle while avoiding customs, snowmobiling across the lake on the marked trails are in good shape or utilizing the Lake of the Woods Passenger (bombardier) Service keeps you in Minnesota.

A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

On the south end… Lake of the Woods ice fishing is still going strong with cool temps keeping ice in good shape.  Fish houses out through March 31st, walleye and sauger season through April 14 and the pike season never closes.

A good week of ice fishing.  This time of year, the walleyes and saugers can be spread out.  Success varies from fish house to fish house but those working at it typically catch a good meal of fish before the day is through.  Occasionally, good numbers or some trophy walleyes are caught.  

Remember, the slot limit on LOW for walleyes is 19.5 – 28.0 inches must be released.  Keep eaters under 19.5 inches and you are allowed one trophy walleye over 28.0 inches.

Electronics help to see fish when they are coming through, understand where in the water column they are and how they are reacting to your lure and presentation.  If you don’t own electronics, resorts and local bait shops rent them.   

Most anglers have been downsizing their presentations.  Using small jigging spoons, a lipless crankbait to bring fish in and/or a deadstick with a plain hook and live minnow 4-6 inches off of the bottom has been effective.  

Glow red, pink, wonderbread and gold were good colors this past week. .

Huge pike have been active for pike anglers using tip ups.  With the longer days, the fish instinctively start gravitating to the next chapter, which is the spawn.  Once again this week, some monster pike were caught.

Remember, new fishing licenses needed March 1st in Minnesota waters.

On the Rainy River…   If you are after walleyes, the morning and evening continue to be the best.  A jig and minnow in one hole, deadstick with a plain hook in the second hole.  

If you are fishing Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River, remember, starting March 1st through April 14th, it is catch and release only.  The big lake is still open for harvesting walleyes and saugers through April 14th. 

Up at the NW Angle… Another great week of ice fishing up at the Angle.  Resorts are targeting both areas with structure as well as deep mud flats, searching out schools of walleyes.

Using the one – two punch, jigging one line and deadsticking the second has been effective.  Depending upon where you are set up, you could be picking away at fish all day or doing the best the first and last hours of the day.

Along with the walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, big pike and eelpout in the mix.

For those looking to access the NW Angle while avoiding customs, snowmobiling across the lake on the marked trails or utilizing the Lake of the Woods Passenger (bombardier) Service keeps you in Minnesota.

A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

On the south end… Remember, Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season with fish houses out through March 31st, walleye and sauger season through April 14 and the pike season never closes.

Ice roads and bomber trails are extending way out on Lake of the Woods working to stay on schools of walleyes and saugers.  Some anglers fishing as far as 24 miles out, while others are opting to stay closer to shore and pick away at fish they believe other anglers have driven past.  The most popular depth is 30 – 36 feet of water.  

Some anglers are still fishing the shallower water during the morning / evening 90 minutes that takes place in 14 – 18 feet of water across the shoreline.  It can be hit or miss, but if you hit, it can be really good.

Anglers are sorting through small fish to find the eaters (under 19.5 inches).  Most are finding enough walleyes and saugers throughout the day for a nice fish fry at night.  Some slot walleyes (19.5 – 28.0 inches which must be released) as well as trophy fish (over 28 inches) being caught as well.

If fish are finicky, downsize the lure on your jigging line and use a plain hook on your deadstick or bobber line.  

The glow colors or even small light sticks in lures are effective in the stained waters.  Charge them up often and keep them bright. 

Some nice jumbo perch, eelpout (burbot), pike, crappies and tullibees (ciscos) are being caught by walleye anglers as well.

Huge pike are already showing up for pike anglers using tip ups.  It should only get better.

On the Rainy River…   The beginning and end of the day continues to be the best for walleye anglers.  Remember, come March 1st, it is catch and release only on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River for walleyes and saugers until the April 14 close.  

Sturgeon are showing up by those hunting dinosaurs.  For those looking ahead, anticipation is high for an earlier than normal ice out on the river which is a great time for walleye and sturgeon fishing.  In the meantime, the river is still locked up.  As always, use extra caution as there is current in the river.

Up at the NW Angle… Resorts are moving houses as needed, staying on the walleyes as we hit mid February.  As a rule, 24 – 30 feet of water is where most are fishing.

Some are still fishing structure, while others, this time of year, slide just off of the structure to target mud flats.  Fish are being found in both areas.

Nice walleyes caught this week with a mixed bag for most.  Anglers fishing the Ontario side for crappies continue to find some nice slabs.

For those looking to access the NW Angle while avoiding customs, snowmobiling across the lake on the marked trails or utilizing the Lake of the Woods Passenger (bombardier) Service keeps you in Minnesota.

A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

On the south end… Ice roads and ice trails are extending out on Lake of the Woods looking to connect with schools of walleyes and saugers.  Some ice roads are out as far as 24 miles.  

The subzero cold snap is good for extending ice into March, but it was tough on the bite.  Once the weather started warming up, so did the bite.  

Most anglers report picking through numbers of small fish to catch eaters, slot fish and some true trophy fish over 28 inches.

Depths vary depending upon outfitter based on where they are fishing, but as a rule, 32-36 feet has been the norm.  The morning / evening bite for walleyes in shallow water,16 – 19 feet, has been active for some.

Jigging a lipless crankbait with vibration and rattles has been working well to catch some fish and also draws other fish into the area you are fishing.  Some fish in more of a neutral mood will slide over and take interest in your deadstick, a live minnow just off of the bottom.

As a rule, glow and bright colors during cloudy days, the golds and silvers during sunny days.  

A mixed bag for many being reported, including walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout (burbot), pike, tullibees and even a few sturgeon and crappies.  

On the Rainy River…   The golden hour (beginning and end of the day) continues to be the best on the river for those fishing for walleyes and saugers.  Some good reports this week.

Some sturgeon have been iced at night by those hunting dinosaurs.  

Ice conditions can vary on the river as there is current, work through a resort or outfitter for safety.

Up at the NW Angle… Resorts up at the Angle are hard at work staying on the walleyes.  As a rule, 24 – 30 feet of water is the norm.

Similar to the south shore, using a noisy, more aggressive lure has been effective, as has a jigging spoon tipped with a piece of minnow.  Work the jigging line in one hole with a deadstick and a plain hook a foot off of the bottom in your second hole.  

Many eater walleyes caught this week with a variety of other fish in the mix.  Some anglers fishing the Ontario side for crappies are finding some nice slabs.

Driving through Canada to the Angle no longer requires vaccinations or the use of the ArriveCan App.

For those looking to access the Angle while avoiding customs, snowmobiling across the lake on the marked trails or utilizing the Lake of the Woods Passenger (bombardier) Service are best options. 

Fish houses are out through March 31st, walleye and sauger season through April 14, pike season never closes.  A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

On the south end… Local resorts, outfitters and ice guides are working hard constantly plowing ice roads, grooming trails for bombardiers and track rigs and moving fish houses in an effort to stay on the walleyes and saugers.  Ice fishing is in full swing and will be through March.

Some anglers are being rewarded with trophy walleyes over 30 inches along with the variety of sizes we see this time of year and that are living in the lake.  Saugers are present in good numbers also, adding to a good fish fry.

Depths vary depending upon outfitter and where they are fishing, but as a rule, 30-34 feet has been the norm.  Some anglers are finding some nice walleyes shallower during the morning / evening bite in 16 – 19 feet.

Working the one – two punch, jigging one line and having the second line with a live minnow under a bobber or watching your rod tip for anything unusual while it sits on a bucket.

The popular colors in the stained waters of Lake of the Woods are gold, glow and brighter colors.  This past week, orange was working well.

A mixed bag as usual on Lake of the Woods.  Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout (burbot), pike, tullibees and even a few sturgeon.  This week, a whitefish was even caught.  They are present in the lake but not common on the south end as much.  

On the Rainy River…   The golden hour, or morning and evening bite remains the best for those ice fishing the river for walleyes and saugers. 

Some sturgeon anglers, fishing during the overnight hours, have been catching some big fish.
Giving up sleep for some giants!

Ice conditions can vary on the river as there is current, work through a resort or outfitter for safety.

Up at the NW Angle… A week with some great walleye fishing up at the Angle.  Resorts are spread out throughout this island area targeting both structure and deep mud adjacent to structure.

Typically, a higher percentage of walleyes over saugers in this part of the lake.  Other fish mixed in as on the south shore.

Driving through Canada to the Angle no longer requires vaccinations or the use of the ArriveCan App.

For those looking to access the Angle while avoiding customs, snowmobiling across the lake on the marked trails or utilizing the Lake of the Woods Passenger (bombardier) Service are best options. 

Fish houses are out through March.  A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

On the south end… We are in the heart of the ice fishing season up on Lake of the Woods.  Resorts continue to move houses with a goal of staying on the walleyes and saugers.  The most active depths for fishing this past week was 30 – 36 feet of water.  

Numbers of smaller walleyes and saugers being caught and sorted through mixed with eaters (under 19.5 inches), slot fish (19.5 – 28 inches which must be released after a photo) and trophy walleyes (28 inches and over). 

The limit on the MN side of LOW is a combined limit of walleyes and saugers of 6, with up to 4 being able to be walleyes.  

Jigging with a small jigging spoon tipped with a piece of minnow has been effective.  Wonder Bread (white with colored spots), chartreuse, glow red and gold have been good colors.  Try glow colors on cloudy days and during low light.  Try gold or even silver on sunny days.  

On your second line, use a live minnow set anywhere from 6 inches to 2 feet off of the bottom.  Sometimes by having the minnow a bit higher in the water column can get fish to react better.  A plain colored hook with a sinker just above the minnow has been working well.  

Watching electronics will help you understand the mood of the fish, see where they are in the water column and tip you off on when they are swimming through.

In addition to the walleyes and saugers, eelpout (burbot), pike, jumbo perch, tullibees and a few crappies and sturgeon have been in the mix.

Please remember to Keep It Clean and remove all trash and waste from the ice.  Have a plan.

As border waters, LOW has extended ice fishing regulations.  Fish houses can be overnight through March 31st, walleye and saugers open through April 14th on the lake, pike never close.

On the Rainy River…   A similar report to last week on the river with a mixed bag of walleyes and saugers with the morning and evening bite being the best.  Using a jig and minnow in one hole and deadsticking with a minnow just off of the bottom on the second hole working the best.

Ice conditions vary on the river as there is current, work through a resort or outfitter for safety.

Up at the NW Angle… A great week of ice fishing.  Resorts are fishing many different areas of the Angle with good results.  Lots of fish in a lot of different areas which is good.

A nice mix of small fish, eaters, slots and trophies.  Some big pike showing up for walleye anglers.  Some anglers like this, some, not so much!  They are big, put up a heck of a fight and while they are around your house, there is a good chance the walleyes and saugers are not.

Some nice crappies being caught on the Ontario side of the lake amongst the islands.  Some Angle resorts can assist with that special trip.

Driving through Canada to the Angle no longer requires COVID vaccinations or the use of the ArriveCan App.

For those looking to access the Angle while avoiding customs, snowmobiling across the lake on the marked trails, utilizing the Lake of the Woods Passenger (bombardier) Service or flying up via Lake Country Air are all good options. 

A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.